Speech by His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE for the ArtSound FM Radiothon 2011 Launch at 6 PM Friday 4 November 2011

As Patron of ArtSound FM I am so pleased to be able to formally launch ArtSound FM's 2011 Radiothon.

The theme for this year's Radiothon is a most worthy one - ‘Save Our Sound’.

Did you know that ArtSound FM has thousands of hours of recordings of Canberra performances and interviews dating back to the early 1980s.

It’s very important that this culturally significant collection is preserved. I'm sure you agree.

The tapes are an important social and oral history resource and like many ageing collections worldwide, are in danger of being lost forever.

I understand the collection includes significant interviews, poetry, radio drama, documentaries and concerts that are part of the ACT region's rich arts and music heritage.

It is wonderful that ArtSound FM is going to preserve the past for the future and plans to broadcast the best of these recordings in 2013 as part of ArtSound FM's contribution to Canberra's centenary celebrations.

ArtSound has been serving the music and arts community of the Canberra region for almost 30 years and I know that ArtSound has continued to provide many and varied opportunities for local artists and musicians to showcase their works.

Emerging artists, especially young musicians, can also use ArtSound's facilities to develop their skills and promote their activities to a wider audience.

It is also a time to acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers who give so much of their time and expertise to make ArtSound FM the award-winning and much loved radio station that it is.

From the presenters who are the voice of the station to the volunteers who spend time in the office – a heartfelt thank you!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of an organisation like ArtSound FM. Your efforts are greatly appreciated!!

The dedication that the volunteers show extends to the Board, the Advisory Committee and the staff who donate much of their own time to supporting ArtSound FM on air.

It is through this generosity that the station will to continue to thrive and grow.

If you haven’t already, I would urge you to support Canberra’s own music and arts radio station.

Of course, this Radiothon would not be possible without the donations of ArtSound FM's sponsors.

We thank all the sponsors who have kindly donated prizes to the Radiothon.

The Governor-General and I will enjoy the live performances and special broadcasts over the coming 10 days.

May I particularly encourage all listeners to attend the Open Day on Sunday 13 November which I hear also includes a Music and Book Fair. We might pop in ourselves.

With your support, I’m confident ArtSound FM will maintain its position as Canberra’s own leading music and arts broadcaster. So, I have pleasure in declaring ArtSound FM's 2011 'Save our Sound' Radiothon Open.